Bloom: Somatic Grief Processing for Spring with Jen & Anthea

We are awakening in the season of spring. The soil is fertile for growth, the sun beckons us to burst forth and bloom. This is a perfect time to integrate the darkness of the past with the brightness of the future.

During this grief circle we will embark on a journey of somatic release among communal support. Set in the warm and inviting Bushwick studio, amidst a carefully curated community altar, cozy spaces, smells and sounds, this workshop invites you to explore the depths of your emotions through creative expression, movement, and shared reflection.

Our focus for this circle is grief – the universal response to loss. This may be the loss of a loved one, by death, by breakup or by a move, the loss of a job, a home, or even a past version of yourself. If you’ve experienced a significant trauma, you may have grief for who you might be if it hadn’t happened, or who you were before. We face a collective grief for the planet, the animals, and the humans who suffer and die in the face of the capitalistic war machine. We carry generational grief for our ancestors and all that they endured before us. Grief can be felt in a broad range of ways, including but not limited to sadness, anger, depression, resentment, guilt, and anxiety. However, grief can also commonly manifest in physical ways such as fatigue, tension, pain, change in diet or sleep, and so many more. We welcome all of your grief in whatever way it manifests.

This event will be co-guided by Jen and Anthea - both trauma sensitive yoga teachers at BCY who have experienced deep grief in different ways and felt the loneliness and struggle of processing grief alone. This processing circle is meant to create a space of deep support to get in touch with and process the emotions that are hard to reach on one's own.

Opening with Connection:

Upon entering, you'll find a circle of mats and blankets with a central community altar. Please bring anything you would like to contribute, for example, flowers, stones, pictures, art, candles, etc. This shared space symbolizes the collective energy and intention we bring to the workshop. You will take these items with you when you leave.

Grounding and Community Sharing:

We will begin with a grounding practice and a unique community sharing experience, giving us an opportunity to get comfortable with the group while also being witnessed, heard, and supported. Using colored pencils and paper, you'll delve into your feelings, fears, and hopes. This sharing space is entirely optional, respecting the individual journey of each participant. We will spend time in this initial sharing circle to speak the names of our ancestors, speak into the griefs they carried in their lifetimes, and honor their efforts to bring us into the world.

Free Movement & Somatic Practice:

As we move into the somatic phase, you'll have the freedom to express your emotions through gentle movement, shaking, Qi Gong meridian tapping, and vibrational breaths/vocalizations. You will feel the release of energy as you follow your body and explore props including pillows, scarves, dancing wings, while guided by prompts that encourage a deeper connection with your grief and accompanying emotions. Anthea and Jen will be assisting you as a group and on an individual level using different modalities of hands on touch, offering movement and sound practices, and generally holding space for all feelings and expressions.

Integration & Nourishment:

Returning to your safe spot, we will integrate the experience with grounding exercises and creative reflections including drawing and journaling. Hot tea, chocolate, and fruit will be served, providing a moment of nourishment and connection as you process your emotions and let your energy settle.

Sharing Circle and Burning Ritual:

Our closing sharing circle provides an opportunity to express the transformations and insights gained during the workshop. Share what you're leaving behind and affirm your hopes. We will conclude this ritual with a collective burning of what we hope to leave behind, releasing them out of our bodies and into the universe.

After Care:

Everyone will be given an after care sheet of recommended practices, journal prompts, and resources to further assist with on-going processing and integration at home.

Please Bring:

● Your journal & any comfort items that help you feel grounded

● Items to add to our community altar (stones, cards, images, flowers etc)